2022 Black Crows Vertis
On the more resort-oriented side of the Black Crows line, the Vertis has an 85 mm waist and has the most traditional camber of pretty much all of the Black Crows skis. Built with a poplar wood core, the Vertis is light, agile, and energetic, and that long underfoot camber really helps the ski get on edge and stay on edge through the duration of the turn. In all lengths, the skis generate a 15-meter turn radius, and that makes my mind wander to the DPS and their RP shaping. As a result, Black Crows has to increase the width of the tips and tails to keep the turns short, and this makes the skis, even in the longer lengths, perform with agility and playfulness. Ideally suited for intermediate to advanced skiers who spend most of their time on-trail and in a carved turn, the Vertis is an awesome choice for skiers who are progressing and learning the art of the pure carve. This is one of those sneaky skis, though, that on paper, doesn’t look like it does a whole lot, but when you get it on your feet, it really comes to life. This gives the Vertis a higher-end feel than the width and application may indicate, allowing for a greater range of skiers to enjoy.
ROCKER PROFILE
Rocker / Camber
CORE MATERIALS
Fiberglass, Semi-Cap
PREFERRED TERRAIN
All Mountain, Groomers, Powder
Benny Wax noted that his 170 cm test length skied true to size, but had more stability than he expected. Oftentimes, this is due to the increased camber underfoot, as that creates a longer effective edge. A lot of us are trained to be on more rockered skis these days, so it feels a bit weird to be on a more traditionally cambered ski, and it sounds like Benny is picking up on that. Benny had top scores of 5 out of 5 for overall impression, torsional stiffness, and edge grip, with 4’s given for all other categories except flotation, which got a 3. These are some consistently high scores for a simple poplar wood core with camber, showing that the way Black Crows makes their skis has a whole lot to do with their success as a company. Benny calls the Vertis “one of the funnest skis of the day! Advanced intermediate to all mountain recreational expert. Playful in the spring snow and precision in the hard pack. Just a great zippity fun way on the slopes!” I always like it when skis sound like they surprise our testers, and the Vertis seems to do that with Benny. Also on the 170, David Carter noted that while it skied true to size, he’d opt for the longer size in more wintry conditions. David scored the ski all 4’s across the board with the exception of a lone 3 for forgiveness. He notes that “I skied this early, and had a chance to ski it on firmer snow - Nose Dive turns. Good hold and responsiveness.”
On the longer 180, John McIntosh loved the length, and found it matched up very well with the weight and overall balance of the ski. John’s top score of 5 out of 5 was given for quickness and maneuverability, with 4’s taking up the rest of the categories, with the exception of a 3 for flotation. Like the other two gentlemen, John’s scores are consistently high, showing a more well-rounded application to these skis. John notes about the Vertis’ “Classic camber with a small turning radius an 85mm underfoot make for a lively and quick turning ski. Best for on-piste skiing but able to handle changeable conditions.” I think that’s what we’re all looking for in these narrower all-mountain skis. Something that can hold tight to a groomer while remaining versatile enough to handle a wide variety of conditions and terrain.
This is a growing segment of skis, more so in the fact that these skis are getting better all the time. Some comparisons include the Nordica Navigator 85, Volkl Kanjo, and Salomon QST 85. This Black Crows Vertis can certainly hang with the best of those, allowing for a strong edge grip, a light weight, and a fantastic level of versatility that will handle a huge range of applications.
I am torn between the Black Crows Vertis and the Black Crows Divus as my groomer ski. I am an intermediate Western skier looking to improve my carving. I am looking for this ski to add to a (snow day ski). I am looking for something forgiving that will allow me to progress and improve technique on groomers. which of the two? Another suggestion, perhaps? I have also been eyeing the Armada Declivity 82 Ti.
Note: I weigh 240 lbs.
Hi Bro!
I would go with the Divus over the Vertis based on your size and the fact that you’re looking for groomer and carving performance–the metal in this ski, combined with its narrower waist makes it a better choice for advancing on-trail skiers. Declivity 82 is great–lighter than the Divus, but still strong enough to handle what you’re throwing at it. Rossignol Experience 82 Ti should also be in the discussion, and perhaps your decision will be based on pricing and availability amongst these options. Have fun!
SE
Started skiing seriously this year after going 2-3 times in the past decade. So far have about 10 days on the mountain and am comfortable on all greens + most blues. I want to get some skis that will work for me now, but mostly want something I can continue progressing with. I’m 6′ and ~150 lbs and will primarily be skiing up in Tahoe. Likely will stick to mainly groomed runs but want to be able to handle some fresh snow / afternoon slush.
Your review makes it sound like the Vertis fits the bill for me. Is that right? Or are they too advanced? If so, any recs?
Side note: Thanks for the detailed reviews! Super helpful for a newbie looking to learn as much as they can.
HI GreentoBluetoBlack!
Vertis is great. All of our testers really liked it, from intermediate to expert skiers. Salomon Stance 84 and Volkl Kanjo also make sense for your application. Have fun!
SE
I’m looking for an East Coast ski and mainly ski blue/black trails at med/high speeds but also like to ski moguls (not great at skiing them) and need something not too heavy and not too stiff. I’m thinking the Vertis could work and possibly Volkl Kanjo but might not be as great on real hard-pack or ice. Any thoughts between those two or other skis to consider?
I’m 6’1″ and 190 lbs
HI Lowell!
the Vertis is a bit easier to get around, while the Kanjo has more snap and energy due to the fiberglass frame. For more of a hard-pack ski, having metal helps a lot, but then you’re in the heavier zone for skis. Among the lighter ones, though, you’re on to two great models. Vertis received rave reviews from all of our testers both this year and last. It’s incredibly versatile and easy to ski, yet has a high performance ceiling. I still think the Kanjo has better pop, but that’s the main difference. I think you’re in the right zone with these two.
SE
Hey guys, I love your reviews and they have been a ton of help. I’m torn between the Divus and Vertis. I’m in the Midwest and primarily encounter groomers, chop, ice (inevitable in our part of the world), and moguls/bumps. I might venture in to the trees occasionally but not much at all. I ski mainly blues/blacks at mid/high speeds and I like to vary my runs between shorter and longer turns. Thanks and any help appreciated!
5’6” and 155lbs
I’d go with the slightly wider and friendlier Vertis. It sounds like versatility is on your list, and the Divus is just better suited to groomers. Both great, but for your stats and application, I think Vertis makes a bit more sense. I’d think the 160 in the Birdie (same ski) would be a good length choice. Have fun!
SE